Stay single until you find someone who you don’t mind taking care of when they’re sick or drunk or sad. Someone who doesn’t have to be in a good mood for you to enjoy their company. You should like your person, even when they’re feeling off. Even when they had a horrible day and you have to comfort them. Even when they don’t feel like going out and would rather snuggle in bed.

Stay single until you find someone who appreciates your effort. Someone who notices how much you have done for them and lets you know they are thankful for it. Someone who doesn’t let your hard work go unnoticed. Someone who makes sure you feel like you are being acknowledged, because they would never want you to feel used, like you are being taken for granted.

Stay single until you find someone who will match your effort. Someone who will do the dishes without complaining about how it’s the second time in a row. Someone who will take you shopping without whining about how their feet hurt. Someone who will surprise you with flowers without you having to hint about how badly you want them.

Stay single until you find someone who is worth putting your heart on the line for. You don’t want to risk everything on someone who is going to hurt you in the end. You should wait for someone who keeps their promises, someone who treats you with respect, someone who is willing to stay loyal. Someone who is worth fighting for, even if the relationship crashes and burns in the end.

Stay single until you find someone who realizes how hard it is for you to open up to others. Someone who is thankful every time you take a tiny step like discussing the future or leaving a toothbrush at their place. Someone who notices that you’re putting in effort when most people wouldn’t.

Stay single until you find someone who you want to do nice things for, not someone who you only help out because you feel obligated. You should be excited to be a part of your person’s life. Excited to watch their favorite movies and read their favorite books and play their favorite games, even if you have completely different interests.

Stay single until you find someone who understands how lucky they are to have you. Someone who realizes you don’t have to put in so much effort, but you are choosing to do so because you care about them. Because you are crazy about them.

Stay single until you find someone who is worth the effort. Worth the time. Worth the energy.

Don’t waste your years on someone who gets annoyed when you text back too fast or calls you needy for wanting to hang out every weekend. Don’t bother with people who act like the effort you’re putting in makes you desperate.

Stay single until you find someone who deserves you. Someone who will feel fortunate every single day, just because they know you.